Moving Stones
Let's Create New Ways
Outside of The Silos in Dayton is a labyrinth. Last weekend I went there with some friends and a 7 year old. Her mom wanted us to show the little girl what a labyrinth is all about.
We demonstrated how you walk slowly to the center and back while being quiet. The little girl did her best to listen and be calm despite the energy surging through her body. Afterwards, we sat back down at our table, but the little girl went back to the labyrinth.
A few minutes later, she ran over to me. “Karen, I made a short cut! Come see!” I followed her back to the labyrinth and cringed as she moved some of the stones. She happily hopped through them and wanted me to come with her.
Inside I was screaming, “No, this is not how you do it! This is not what a labyrinth is about!” But I kept my mouth shut so I wouldn’t ruin her fun.
The next morning I reflected on this and laughed out loud. It was just another example of how we as adults think we are teaching the child, but the child is actually the one trying to show us something wise and profound.
She was showing me a short cut to what I want to create.
I often fall into the trap of figuring out the right way to make it happen. I think there is a prescribed path I must follow and it must be done with a lot of seriousness and I must be really patient in the long process.
But, the lesson I learn over and over again is that we get to play with these rules. We get to move the rocks and forge our own way. It can be so much simpler, and fun, and easy when I let go of doing it right and I allow my inner child to come forward with her imagination and excitement and trust in her creative impulses.
There are heavy things happening in the world that break my heart. I’m letting those cracks stay open because they remind me that softness is still possible, but I’m also asking where I might move a few of the rocks I thought were immovable.
How this can stimulate the creativity I need in my own work and in the work we need to do in the world?
💞 Micro-Creations
This week, I’m exploring how to follow the child’s wisdom: to make art, to connect, and to act from curiosity instead of fear. Here are a few small ways we can start to create new ways, for ourselves and for one another:
Doodle Your Own Labyrinth: What would you change? What feels fun and playful?
Change the Path Together: At work or in community, question a rigid system kindly, “Is there an easier, more creative way to do this?”
Give Permission: Compliment someone’s creative risk. “I love how you tried something new!”
Host a “Shortcuts Circle”: Invite a few friends or colleagues to share one way they made something easier or more fun this week.
Celebrate Rule-Breakers: Highlight someone in your circle who forged their own path. Post or share their story as creative inspiration.
🎨In the Studio
The last three months have been full of big life things. While lamenting not painting much, a wise friend reminded me that ultimately, your life is your true art. That soothed my soul and I knew I would start painting again when it was time. Last week it was finally time! Here is an in-process peak at the first few layers:
And, one thing I did a lot of over the past few months was illustrating! I finished up two books and one more is oh-so-close….
Finding Calm: Sofia’s Day at the Park can be purchased here.
Bodhi Finds His Forever Home: A Puppy Mill Survivor’s Story can be purchased here.
To our creative revolution and evolution!
